When their coastal town is attacked by an alien enemy organization known as the Covenant, four teens learn what they are capable of and what they are willing to do for the people they love.High school students Evelyn Rousseau, Victor Gallardo, Saskia Nazari, and Dorian Nguyen didn't make it to the town's shelters before the doors closed. Luckily, Saskia's house is a veritable fortress filled with prototype weapons from her parents' jobs as defense system manufacturers. The teens, who were not close prior to this disaster, have to learn to work together as a team. During surveillance they cross paths with a Spartan, a supersoldier who fights with the United Nations Space Command, named Owen-B096. They are trained by Owen and learn that the aliens are digging up an artifact in their town. The team sabotages the drilling and forms a plan to safely get themselves and the survivors of their village of Brume-sur-Mer off their planet, Meridian. But will everything go according to plan? Clarke (Star's End, 2017, etc.) brings the popular video game "Halo" to life with likable characters and a suspenseful, fast-paced plot. While the characters are somewhat two-dimensional, the nonstop action will draw in readers. Knowledge of the game makes the plot and terminology easier to follow. Diversity is implied through names.A series opener that will find readers wherever the video game is popular. (Science fiction. 12-18)

Gr 7 Up-It was just a normal day on the human colony world Meridian. Saskia is yet again abandoned at home by her parents' top secret assignments from the United Nations Space Command (UNSC). Evie and Victor are arguing about the film they are creating, and holo-film star Dorian is on a boat about to play a gig with his band. Without warning, the Covenant attacks, and the town's survivors are ushered into shelters. Saskia, Dorian, Evie, and Victor find themselves in the middle of a battleground with few weapons. Luckily, they run into an injured Spartan who begrudgingly assists them in fighting the Covenant to save their town. This harrowing adventure is told in alternating viewpoints. The teen protagonists discover why the Covenant has attacked and must open the shelter and leave Meridian before their planet is demolished. Fans of the Halo video game franchise will recognize many concepts and creatures in this volume, such as Sangheili, Unggoy, Needler, and Glassing. However, Clarke offers just enough background information for readers unfamiliar with the "Halo" series to enjoy the story and be excited for the next installment. VERDICT A great addition for libraries seeking quality media tie-in titles for gamers and fans of science fiction. Amanda Schiavulli, Liverpool Public Library, NY